Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky considers options

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky, 33, has started to look at other options as age and a lack of playing time is catching up with the Czech Republic international

The former Dortmund midfielder has played his part in Arsene Wenger’s impressive Arsenal side this season, however his Premier League appearances have been few and far between - starting just 6 of the Gunners' 17 Premier League matches.

In Wenger’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation Arsenal have plenty of cover for places. When given game time, Rosicky has mainly been deployed out wide, but with the likes of Walcott, Ozil, Cazorla, Oxlaide-Chamberlain, Podolski and Ramsey also vying for those 3 positions behind striker Olivier Giroud, Arsenal’s number 7 needs to produce consistently high quality performances to give him more opportunities.

This season, however, has been a bit of a struggle on the pitch for Rosicky. Picking up a niggling hamstring injury in September hasn’t helped, but the 33-year-old has failed to register a goal, and only has the one assist to his name.

Whilst maintaining an average 84.3% pass success rate, his lack of average shots per game (0.8) and key passes (1.3) reflects some ineffective attacking displays which won’t have helped his cause for more game time.

Rosicky, who is in the final year of his contract, has spoken of the possibility of making a move away from the club.

'I would like to carry on (at Arsenal), but there are a few question marks', the Czech international told isport.blesk.cz. 'I would say within a few weeks we will know more'.

'If the day comes and I leave Arsenal, then I will be surely considering a move to play on a different continent.

'If I should leave, however, then I would be tempted to play in the USA. Football has been on the rise there and I'm interested in trying a different style of life', he continued.

Football in the United States has been on the up for over 5 years now, and recognizable names such as Nesta, Beckham, Rafa Marquez, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane have successfully made the move.

With clubs such as LA Galaxy, New Work Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo, Vancouver Whitecaps and Chicago Fire all offering decent wages and located in attractive locations, it’s easy to see why a move to the U.S. is becoming far more appealing for those facing new chapters in their career.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.